Navigating the Time Change with Smart Nutrition

Navigating the Time Change with Smart Nutrition

It is important to get your nutrition in check before the time change this weekend so you can be proactive instead of reactive to the change. Regardless of how your body does with the time change that nobody really likes, here are a few tips to help make it a bit easier to digest:

1. Sleep disruptions, especially less sleep, can affect hunger regulating hormones which can lead to eating more food throughout the day. If you know your sleep will be compromised for a short time after the time change, plan for this and make sure you have enough protein and fat in your daily meals and snacks to ensure you stay fuller longer.

2. Along with #1, you may have more cravings with lack of sleep. These cravings usually present as higher in sugar, fat and sodium so besides knowing this, a great trick is to not have many of these foods in the house the week after the time change. Stock up on good protein rich foods, fruits and veggies in preparation!

3. Eat enough fiber rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts) throughout the day and a bit less saturated fat to improve your deep sleep patterns. Ditch the high sugar, high fat foods as much as possible in the week after the time change.

4. If you are not able to fall asleep too well, try taking 2 tablespoons of tart cherry juice concentrate mixed with 5-6 ounces of water with 200-300 milligrams of magnesium bisglycinate 1-1.5 hours before bed. The natural melatonin in the tart cherry juice and relaxing properties of magnesium may just do the trick.

Here’s to a great time change for everyone!